PEDAGOGICAL EXPERIMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIFE SKILLS OF PUPILS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER THROUGH BAKING

Abstract

The development of practical and life skills represents an important component of the education of pupils with autism spectrum disorder. Educational activities based on real-life situations can provide opportunities for the development of independence, motor coordination, attention, communication and social interaction. The paper presents a pedagogical experiment focused on the development of practical and culinary skills of pupils with autism spectrum disorder through baking activities. The experiment was implemented in a special primary school and was based on structured learning, visual support, individualisation and gradual sequencing of individual work tasks. Particular attention was paid to the adaptation of the activity to the individual abilities, sensory characteristics and level of independence of the pupils. The results of the pedagogical observation indicate that baking can represent a meaningful educational activity through which pupils with autism spectrum disorder acquire practical experience applicable in everyday life. At the same time, the activity creates opportunities for developing autonomy, concentration, fine motor skills, following sequential instructions and experiencing success in a meaningful activity.